Day
1 in Stockholm. June 25.
There
is no show tonight and it had been a depressed day, into the blue...
I
slept til 8am in a bunk in a dorm at the youth hostel, then I took a
walk outside.
Streets
have names that you can't pronounce.
The
tourist area, Gamla Stan, is full of....tourists. The same
everywhere.
I
won't show you pics of my beautiful meal or pints of beer...some
other people will do that.
I
just managed to buy a can of Coke.
I
took a nap in an other bunk (they moved me around) before going out
again;just to kill time and get more tired:)
Since
no one invited me to share a cup of tea...here I am , back in my
shared room of 12 happy travelers.
On
the positive side I have a story :
-
I arrive in Stockholm at 4 am on the 25th due to delay of my flight.
-
I prepare my bed in the dorm as fortunately the YH sent me all the
codes for the doors.
-
I fall asleep rapidly.
-
Some time later I half wake up and start preparing in my head the
trip to...Stockholm; the bus to Paris, the metro, the control of
passport, the security check...
-
I open my eyes and see that my bed sheets are white.
White?
I don't have white sheets at home. Oh oh I AM in Stockholm.
What
a wonderful feeling to be at home and one second later where you wish
to be!
Day
2 in Stockholm. June 26.
Part
1.
The
day started badly with rain.
I
didn't want to go out as I didn't want to be wet all day.
I
went back to bed.
At
1 pm the weather is better so I walk to the old town to buy myself a
coffee at 7/11. The cheapest in town.
I
then decide to move to the venue.
I
don't know this one so 2 solutions : a sport arena in the middle of
nowhere with not even a coffee shop or a big commercial center.
Second
guess is the one.
Huge
commercial shopping center with at least 3 sport Arenas.
The
Ericsson Globe has a capacity of 12000. No way Bob Dylan and his Band
will sell 12000. Maybe half.
A
good chance for me to get a ticket but a bad chance for the sound.
So...I
spend about one hour in the shopping mall. Shopping nothing.
I
then move to the venue parking lot to see what's happening.
Bob's
bus just arrived and it is parked really close to the back door.
Bob
and the Band are now rehearsing.
I
have a little insecure moment with Barron, the bodyguard.
I
am by now the only one around the buses but really far away. Some
People will believe it is wrong but I am curious. Can't help it!
Three
security men are now discussing the best way for Bob to get in his
bus without being seen ( by who?).
As
Bob comes out dressed casual with a cream color wind breaker I am
sure he will go straight to his bus that is by now parked farther in
the parking lot. Why did they move that bus from the door?(mystery
for me).
Three
bodyguards surround him!
I
didn't know I was such a menace!
For
me it is pure paranoia!
But....to
my surprise Bob walks to the side of the musiciens bus. Stops back
against it and he is run after by his manager. Whoa!
I
see the back of Kramer.
From
where I am he is not happy, over powering Bob physically and moving
his arms left and right.
It
seems a scolding move.
I
can't hear anything. And I now figure out this is why they don't want
anyone near the buses.
To
add to the surrealist scene Barron ( still mad at me?) Is standing
few meters on Bob's right side. As it starts raining he is opening
his umbrella to protect...his own head. I am sorry for Bobby who will
soon be drenched to the bones!
As
an after thought Barron moves the umbrella above his boss's head.
Whoa! And I am the bad one?
Then
off they all walk away from my sight!
Can't
figure that story out. Why did they move the bus? Why did Kramer wait
for Bob to be out in the rain to talk to him? Why the fuss? Why so
many guards when there is no one out there on the parking lot.Well!
Just me....
Next
part 2 is about the show.....follow me...
Day
2 in Stockholm. June 26.
Part2.
I
go back to the commercial center and bump again into Frederick, a fan
from Sweden. We have a pleasant conversation.
We
go out around 6 pm as the show will start at 7.30 pm.
The
crownd arrives mainly from the metro station and this is a good thing
for me.
Some
scalpers are around but they are nice and polite with me.
Rapidly
a nice woman hands me a ticket. She asks nothing. Just says she is
happy to please me. Whoa!
2
good people I don't even know...and they don't even know me.
I
enter the huge arena. I want to be down on the floor. So I find my
way.
The
stage is large but all the instruments are now centered ; Bob's piano
is center , behind on the right Donnie's instruments, behind Bob left
stands Tonny, then George's drums and left left Charlie.
Weird.
Unless you are on the right side facing the stage you don't see Bob.
Just a hat when he is sitted and half his body when he stands behind
the piano.
The
music starts as George takes his stand then the others followed by
Bob. For what I see he is wearing a black hat. And this is all I can
tell. I had to move far away at the end of the venue on the floor to
find an empty seat.
The
sound is not the best at the beginning getting better after ....
"Can't wait"...I can't believe my ears. Fantastic! Bobby is
center stage. The Band is obviously enjoying a new song. Tonny is
moving right and left.
The
public also enjoys. Behind me they clap in rhythm.
Thank
you Bobby!
Then
the same songs but I suddenly woke up and I know this is the reward
for my .... Trials! :)
"Make
you feel my love" is great even though this is not my favourite
one.
"Scarlet
town" is again center stage with Bob standing and holding the
mic.
Then
another surprise. " Girl from the north country" instead of
"Don't think twice" but same style; just Bob on piano.
Sweet melody.
Also
few lines changed on " Simple twist of fate", a story about
a new date!
A
complete changing of tempo on "The early Roman kings".
And
a surprising blank on "Gotta serve somebody" . Bobby missed
a couple of words. Blank!
A
fantastic "Love sick" that should have been center stage.
Not
too much reaction from the public except LARS.
Applause
on Thunder for George.
And
a long time before all the public realized the show was over.
A
bow , hat in hand ....and Bob is gone.
What
a day.
The
lesson is ; when the dreams you dreamed don't come true do like the
GPS....recalculate.
Goteborg
June 27.
I
arrived on the 27th with Flix. Nice trip through the beautiful green
forests.
I
find my CS host, Erik, waiting for me at his home.
We
have a lite dinner of bread and butter and a green tea. Erik is
"green" at heart.
We
go to bed early. Me on an air mattress.
Goteborg
June 28.
Next
morning. It's a new morning. I do have some dreams but...dreams don’t
always come true.
The
day is warm and sunny so I dress adequately. I bought a 3 days
bus/tram pass just to be sure I can travel in comfort. The Tram
number 5 takes me straight to the Scandinavium. At 10am only the
roadies are working. Setting up the stage.
So
I move on to the city center. I find again ( I've been in Goteborg
before) the botanic garden. The roses are in bloom and smell good.
I
tram back home to get ready for the afternoon.
By
4 pm the "Beat the street" buses pull inside the parking
lot.
My
feet are tired and my brain is wired so I rest on a bench near the
Scandinavium. I have a nice conversation with one of the followers.
6.30pm....anxiety
time!
But
I feel confident. The arena is huge. 6000 probably.
Erik
is willing to join me for the show so it is my duty to find him a
ticket, as free as possible.
I
rapidly get a ticket then 15 minute before show time (here 7.30) I
young man who was trying to sell an extra ticket, hands it to me. I
check and to my surprise it is a 6th row floor. Whoa.
Erik
arrives and we both walk inside.
I
move to the front, to have a look at the stage and by the time the
music starts (Stravinsky) I am first row and as the seats on my right
are empty I move right in front the piano.
I
can't believe that about 15 seats front row and about 20 seats second
row are....empty!
I
know I won't see much of Bob behind the grand piano but truly I don’t
mind. No one in front of me and no one behind.
Bob
is in black( with embroidery on the jacket and pants) with black hat.
The Boys in white. I have a clear view of Charlie now wearing
glasses.( except on ERK).
Bob
totally disappears when he sits and the tall guy next to me starts
complaining and standing. Security rapidly asks him to sit.
Of
course I enjoy myself with every single song and I get hysteric when
Bob moves center stage for
"Can't
wait". Right in front of me.
But
I know how to feel and realize he doesn't focus on any one
specifically. Can he see or not? His eyes are looking towards...the
emptiness.
When
he stands at the piano he should be able to see me as the spot light
behind him is right on me. I move my body accordingly to George
tempo. I feel part of the Band, following the lyrics on Bobby's lips.
We should do a duet:)
Absolutely
no mistakes tonight.
Clear,
loud, professional.
Bob
doesn't smile. He grins.
Maybe
one time he came to Charlie or Tony but no fuss.
Regular
tempo on ERK. I like it this way. The same lyrics change on STOF.
He's got a new date. Cool. Happy to know that, but she's not me:)
The
hat disappears after "Pay in blood".
"Girl"
is breath taking. Not a sound from the public.
I
enjoy MYFML. Even sing along.
I
dance and sing when on my right there is a commotion ; the ' Last of
the Samurai' appears with a security guy and with authority but no
violence they mention a Fan , front row, to move out. He never came
back. He was right in front of the sign "no phone". Beware
of the 'Ninja warrior'.
The
guy on my left keeps on standing up...stupid! Stop buying those front
row tickets if you want to see Bob smiling!
The
encore comes too early.
The
"Ninja warrior" keeps an eye on the front row. No rail. Not
even standing on BITW.
I
just managed to move a bit front when Bob, hat in hand, makes his
final bow. No eye contact. No kiss.
Well!
He looks tired. A lot more than the spring Tour. And by now emaciated
more than skinny.
I
feel like crying !
Take
care my dear !
See
you tomorrow.
Another
day. Another dream.
Oslo
June 29,
Part
1.
I
will call that day Marie and I.
I
arrived with Flix on time and walk all the way to my YH.
As
the bed is not ready I lock my bag and walk back to the Spektrum.
It
is by now 1 pm.
I
spot immediately the 2 roadies buses and bump into Marie.
Marie
is a character. She is a Bob Dylan follower on...wheelchair. We met
few years ago.
She
travels by train only in Europe and stay in Youth Hostel or sometimes
... outside, for she needs specific accommodations.
She
is the most courageous of all the followers but not well known and
not so much helped.
She
is always positive. I never heard her complain.
So
we stay by the buses few hours just chating in the sun and enjoying
the Reggae music coming from speakers in the small park.
By
4 pm which is 3 hours before show time the security guard I called
Robert starts to be ready.
He
doesn't take specific precaution so I know he already figured out how
to sneak Bob inside the venue.
Except
Marie and I there is a young man with a cowboy hat hanging around.
Fedy will come later and that's it for the "security menace"!
But
nonetheless Bob will never walk in front of us.
So....Bob's
bus will pull all the way down the ramp and reversed so the bus door
will be right to the back stage door.
The
musiciens bus will pull in front of us and the musiciens step out one
by one but it is clear that we should not take photos or address
them.
Though
Barron salutes me with a half smile I have the feeling it is more to
"pacifize" me.
There
is a soundcheck and a catering then some of the Dylan's people come
walk around or step inside the buses. Charlie smoking and taking a
walk with Kramer. Tony talking on the telephone or George maybe
taking a nap with Barron inside their fancy bus with a kitchen/bar.
Funny.
It is like if I am looking some sort of reality show. Except it is
not a show. I am just not in it but outsider. It could have been so
nice to have a little chat with any of them!
And
believe me it was possible in the past. On the 81 Tour I could chat
with Jimmy or Howard Alk or Stan. Even Bob Meyers , the road manager,
was not so distant.
Yes.
Things have changed but not for the best in terms of humanity.
And
it is not a security problem as they all know me.
They've
been with Dylan too long. They cought the 'Dylan paranoia'.
The
hours pass and I get Marie a salad at the Deli next door...
None
of the Bobcats around will come to salute Marie or spend time with
us. Except Hans.
Marie,
the physically handicapped and I, the morally handicapped. I feel
like a sociopath!
By
5 pm it is time for the box office finally to open. Marie tries to
get a ticket but the Lady is not only stupid but not "human".
It seams to be the day for jerks.
Marie
has no possibility to get in with her wheelchair. Security reason bla
bla bla.
I
am tired of those security problems which don't exist.
I
am so sorry but Marie wants me to enjoy the show so I look for a
ticket.
I
get rapidly a standing tix but I want to seat. I know there will be
no way for me to be front on the rail by now and I don't want to be
in the middle of "strangers".
2
guys offer me a tix but on their mobile. So I take a photo which
doesn't scan. Back to the stupid Lady at the box office who refused
to re-isue the tix. Whoa! Go to hell Lady!
So
I will stand.
Oslo
June 29.
I
walk inside the venue, the Spektrum with a standing ticket and
realize there will be no way for me to see Bob front.
I
take a position all the way on the right of the rail which will be
behind the sound board.
The
soundboard man will block partially my view. At the best I see the
back of Bob, the beautiful embroidery jacket.
At
times I see the fingers moving on the piano.
When
the view of the stage is not clear I can focus on Barron and Robert
doing their job. Mainly making sure no one takes photos.
What
else?
I
wish I could get that job. Easy; if you see someone opening a mobile
you signal him/her to one of the venue security and that's it.
Some
in a while you quick one Fan out obviously and it should frighten all
the rest. Boo!
So
sad!
The
profile of Bob is not the best. He looks like an old turtle.
After
ERK he will take his hat out and I see the bald spot on the top of
his head!
The
sound is great and I do my dancing and karaoke alright.
Robert
and Barron look at me as if I'm right out from a psychiatric asylum.
And
they believe they are SO SMART!
They
do their job alright. But what job! Chasing the Fans around.
They
should remember the Fans pay their salary. No Fans no tickets sold.
No tickets sold no show. No show no tour. No tour no bodyguards.
Well!
I enjoy anyway.
And
suddenly I hear the lyrics of "Spanish boots".
I
know that one by heart. Whoa! Splendid surprise.
Almost
acapela and Bob moves center stage which I don't appreciate. I don't
see him at all.
I
see the front row rail enjoying but not any hysteria from behind.
A
loud reaction on LARS.
On
BITW Barron moves away back and on "It takes a lot to laugh..."
Robert moves away back.
Time
to take photos!
And
time for me to search for Marie out.
The
handicapped Bob Dylan follower from Germany.
She
is not there!
Back
to the YH?
Nope.
A miracle for her.
She
had no possibility to buy a ticket at the box office.
Security
people had pity on her; found her a ticket and took her inside!
Whoa!
Some
human people exist.
Maybe
not the ones you expect.
We
call a special taxi as Marie can't move from her chair and we have a
lite dinner before she crashed in dorm D. I crashed in dorm C
with....19 other crazy travelers.
Tomorrow
is another adventure.
Karlstad
June 30.
Things
happen strangely.
I
arrived at 1.30 pm with Flixbus and Karl, my CS host, is waiting for
me. He came all the way on bicycle. He puts me on the bus number 2
and rides his bicycle back home. We meet at the bus station. He shows
me his home where he lives with a roommate and another CS guest.
He
cooks for me a vegan meal ( delicious) and we chat a little bit until
it is time for him to go to work.
He
is a priest and he has a sermon to make. A Lutheran priest.
I
change clothes and take the bus number 2 to the Karlstad CCC.
It
is after sound check but I just want to say hello to some crew
members.
As
a matter of fact I feel so nice and relaxed around the buses and
trucks that I will spend all afternoon there. I feel part of the
'circus'.
I
say hello to many crew members who don't mind at all to see me there.
I wave hello to George who will answer with a nice smile once he
recognized me.
Charlie,Donnie,
Tony are walking around totally relaxed.
(Charlie
smoking a lot!)
It
feels so great to be part of it.
Barron
and his companion are also totally relaxed to see me around. I stay
in the limit of the
'privacy
area'. I know I won't see Bob who is by now relaxing inside his bus.
Fine!
By
6.30 pm I start looking for a ticket.
And
I know that will be difficult. The venue is small and tickets are
expensive.
I
do my best but I will not success. One of the 20% of the failure.
I
am sad but will stay on a positive feeling and decide to wait for Bob
to come out. I see 2 seconds of him stepping inside his bus.
But
... Again people are nice around me so...
That
will be a positive day without a show.
The
buses are leaving late and I wave bye bye to Bob ( who certainly
doesn't see me).
See
you all in Copenhagen. Be safe.
Roskilde
fest.
July
3.
Part
1.
An
adventure in itself.
I
am at the train station in Copenhagen by 10 am. I am sure it is a
full day music festival. I was sure it had been going on for 4 days
already....how wrong.
At
the station I bump into my 2 good Bobcats from Australia.
Woah!
We
take the same train to Roskilde. They catch another train to the Fest
and I decide to walk. 3kms.
As
soon as I reach the place I know that a ' friendly ticket' just will
not work here. People go inside with a sort of electronic wrist band.
Bad luck!
There
must be a way to sneak inside...to live outside the law you have to
be honest...
I
find my way throw a forest into the camp site. OK.
But
then I have to walk inside the music camp itself.
I
have no idea but the real music Fest, in fact, starts today at 5 pm.
Inside
the area only the volunteers are allowed and working to prepare the
Fest. Food and drinks. Well!
I
sneak in anyway.
I
go straight to the Orange Stage. The piano and the drums are on place
and the techs are doing a technical sound check.
After
1 hour they remove the BD instruments as they will be 2 bands before
( and 1 after).
I
walk around the area for hours before getting food at a stand. As I
am ready to go back to my spot a security guard asks my wristband.
How did he know that among the thousands volunteers hanging around I
was the only one without the wrist band? I am still wondering right
now.
To
make a long story short...I am kicked out. Lucky enough not to pay
the 3500 fine!
Shit!
I
have to find my way in again.
Same
process, same success until the camp site. But by now the security at
the music camp is strict. Each wrist is controlled.
One
line in. One line out. People going out are not wrist control. OK.
This
is my only chance; to enter counter current.
It
takes a fraction of a second for the guard to be distracted and I
sneak in. People are certainly wondering but no one stops me.
I
melt into the crowd and rush to the Orange Stage. By now it is 7.30
pm and Bob is on in half an hour.
I
don't even try the rail! No.
I
take a stand by the side of the stage. No way to see Bob, not even
the Band. But fortunately there is a large screen just in front of
me.
Roskilde
fest.
Part
2.
Bob
is dressed with his black pants with white straps.
A
polka dots shirt black with whites spots. A white scarf/tie.
Black
heavy boots.
His
hair is disheveled due to the wind.
I
can see clearly his face on the large screen right in front of me. He
looks tired. His eyes are puffy.
At
no time he will smile. Just grin.
He
will never be center stage.
He
will perform rapidly 17 songs.
Missing
" Scarlet town" " Trying to get to heaven" and
"My master piece".
He
will perform " Cry a while" and "Girl from the north
country".
The
sound is no good ; too much drums and bass and not enough guitar and
piano. The Mic is taking the wind and though Bob's voice is clear the
sound is distorted.
I
see a lot people leaving the front row area. Disappointed.
It
is even boring.
LARS
is weak.
On
" Thunder" I see Tony trying to make the crow clap in
rhythm. It doesn't work.
Definitively
not the best show ever.
Bob
is a hurry to finish.
He
will make a standing pose right after LARS and a final bow. And this
is for his presence to the public.
It
was an adventure for me....
Glad
I made it.
But
I am looking for small venues....
Hamburg
July 5.
Though
I booked a Youth Hostel in Hamburg J. proposed to share his hotel
room closer to the venue. OK.
In
the morning we take a boat tour on the river Elbe together before
splitting. Most likely you go your way and I'll go mine.
I
decide to go to the venue early afternoon. After all I'm on the road
for Bob Dylan. Not the Bobcats.
I
realize I've been here before. Huge venue again but nothing like the
Roskilde fest.
I
don't see a hair of Bobby's head. Recluse more than ever those days.
I
have a chat with a Fan who likes to read my stories on Boblinks. I
seem to be quite popular! :)
We
spot Charlie, George, Donnie getting ready and the "Ninja
warrior" is all in black!:)
By
7 pm I look for a ticket that I easily get and a good one on the
floor section.
I
spot many Bobcats around. Mainly the German crew.
I
take my seat on time.
The
audience is polite and easy.
Right
away I feel that will be a good show. The sound is great and Bobby's
voice is Crystal clear.
"Can't
wait" is a must.
"Love
sick" beautiful. At the moment it gets straight to my bones. "
I'm love sick and I'm sick of love". Feel like crying.
"
Scarlet town " is again center stage. So was " Can't wait".
"My
masterpiece" is a sweet one.
So
will be "Girl from the north country" . The public will
appreciate. But LARS doesn't bring the reaction expected. Neither
"Thunder". No rhythm applause from the audience. Just a big
clap at the end.
Great
public but polite.
I
can't do much Karaoke as I am squeezed between 2 respectful people.
Only my feet are moving.
The
encore will be standing and maybe a stage rush.
All
the songs are respectfully good.
A
great standard show.
Thank
you Bobby.
I
heard from a secure source that Bob had a blast in Roskilde.
What
do I know? Still learning from Bobby's attitude!
Brunswick
July 6.
I
arrive just on time with Flixbus and walk all the way to my
Couchsurfing host. Chun Le, from Vietnam, but for now living in
Germany and working for ....Volkswagen. The whole city works for the
car company.
Chun
cooks me a Thai lunch and we chat a little bit before him going for a
nap and I walking towards the venue.
The
buses are pulling out the parking lot to go at the hotel packing the
luggage and picking Bob in one bus and the Band in another bus.
The
Hotel is right Across the venue.
I
hang around because I am curious.
The
musicians are crossing the bridge to reach the back stage door for
the sound check.
Unexpectedly
Bob will cross the park by the hotel, walking, to step inside his bus
parked few meters away. They drive the bus to the hotel to load his
luggage in. Whoa!
I
then bump into a nice Fan and we have a drink together, downtown,
before joining two more fans that I met before on the road.
We
have a nice conversation for few hours. No one will open his
telephone to chat on line!
By
6. 30 pm it is time to move to the venue ; Volkswagen arena. By now
it is pouring rain.
I
have luck with an early ticket and I move in immediately.
The
arena is huge but will not be sold out. I take a seat on the floor .
on the far back.
I
am all by myself on that row.
The
show is good but again I am surprise by the NO reaction of the
public. Even on LARS.
It
is too much quiet.
Polite
applause at the end of each song.
Bobby's
voice is clear but nothing like Hamburg.
He
will do " Spanish boots" which is nice for a change.
"
Thunder" will wake me and the audience.
Bob
had his hat on until LARS and a beautiful white embroidered suit.
2
songs are center ; " Can't wait" and "Scarlet town".
A
nice average show for me but a nice day all together.
I
manage to have a ride to Mainz for the next day with some Bobcats.
Bye
bye Bobby. See you tomorrow
Good
night.
I
walk back the half hour to my CS host and we have a long conversation
about...politics, ecology, philosophy....Chun had also been traveling
a lot and he is thinking about moving to Colombia to open an ecologic
farm....away from the folly of men and cars!
Mainz
July 7.
I
arrive with Hans and 2 others by car in early afternoon.
We
are in a park and the stage is set up.
There
will be a sound check earlier than usual as the show will start at 7
pm. It is an open air show but sited.
Bob
will not be on stage for the sound check, only the Band.
There
is a Fans pre-show meeting at the Cafe next to the stage.
Many
Bobcats arrived from different direction : some from Netherlands,
some from France, some from Austria, some from Switzerland, some from
Belgium, some from Italy, some from Poland, some from the UK, some
from Japan, some from Australia, some from USA, some from ...Germany.
The
whole old bunch of followers.
Bobby
should be happy!
I
get in and decide to stand on the side, right from the stage, so I
can see Bob's profile on the piano.
I
have eye contact with Bob's security guard (not Barron) who doesn't
seem to mind me being there.
Even
at all time the venue security people will make sure my view is not
blocked. Whoa!
I
am in heaven, dancing and singing along.
More
and more people will pile up, standing, on the right aisle and the
left aisle. Exactly what I love.
Bob
is great. The Band is great though I don't see any of them.
He
will do "Can't wait" at the piano which is good for me as I
will not see him center stage for "Scarlet town".
He
made a lite mistake on "Love sick" ; he forgot the
'Sometimes' on...'sometimes the silence can be like thunder'.
Other
than that all was perfect.
"Don't
think twice" was the choice of the 3 choices ; "Don't think
twice" , "Girl from the North" , "Spanish boots
of Spanish leather".
I
didn't feel the static set list tonight. For me it was a brand new
show. A brand new public.
Even
the ancient Bobcats were there tonight. Feeling like the good old
days.
On
the negative side ... A lot people came to have a good time and were
pretty drunk and not respectful. A lot walking in front of the stage
and back and worth.
Shame!
Well.
It
was a show I will remember.
Thank
you Bobby. Thank you the Band. Thank you the security people.
Have
all a safe trip. See you at the next show.
Erfurt.
July 8.
I
arrive 6.10 pm. Only 5 minutes late with Flixbus. As instructed by
Anushka, my CS host, I take the tram 1 all the way to the end. I got
lost in the few meters around the apartments blocks!
Anushka
prepares a Chinese meal ( her mother is from Chinese and she had been
raised in Chine by her grandparents).
I
prepare my air mattress. Take a shower and ... Sleep well!.
July
9th.
I
take the tram back to center town by 10 am and as I buy myself a
coffee and donuts I bump into a Bobcat. We sit at the Cafe for hours
talking about....Bob Dylan.
We
agree on many points and I'm happy to find a Fan who has my
philosophy about Dylan.
By
now I decide to tram to the venue, just to check.
The
Jazzschlossen is just a huge space for shows or exhibits and there is
nothing around. So I go back in center town for a walk and coffee.
I
tram again to the venue to arrive on time for the sound check. An
early one at 3.30 pm.
Nothing
much is happening.
But
as I walk around I bump into a Fan(occasional one) looking for food.
I
instruct t him that the best is to tram to the city center. We do. We
spend one hour or so talking about... Bob Dylan. But this time Joe is
surprised by my stories.
Back
to the venue. Time to search for a ticket. Though the venue is huge,
few thousands seats, I just remember than we are in East Germany and
it is not a great place for "free" tickets.
I
find my way in, anyway, and take a seat on the right section but up
on the ring. I can see the totality of the stage. Good for a change.
The
venue is packed with seats empty, here and there, but globally full.
Right
away the first song is powerful " Things have changed" is
crystal clear.
Bob
in white. The boys in black. (But that I knew for I saw the costumes
being brought inside.)
Bob
will wear his black hat until "Pay in blood".
Each
one of his word is clearly pronounce. The mic sound is well balanced.
The Band is together. I particularly like George on his drums
tonight.
I
am all by myself on my row and the audience will be extremely
respectful. Only few folks are moving away during the show.
No
talking. No heavy drinking.
No
mobile in the air.
Bob
will pick up,again, the wrong harmonica on "Make you feel my
Love".
"Can't
wait" and "Girl" tonight. 2 highlights in a totally
different tempo.
Even
"Trying to get to heaven" captures my attention.
I
try to move front for the encore and it is alright until a certain
point. Fans stand on the aisle. I see Bob's profile clearly.
The
public is happy and I don't see any security problem.
Already
the end!
I
go to have a beer downtown with
some
followers and we talk about...Bob Dylan.
By
now it is past midnight and I catch the last tram home.
Great
day. Great Fans. Great show. Great Bobby tonight.
It
feels that the Tour should never end!
Stuttgart
July 10.
An
easy ride on the Flixbus.
I
don't understand why that bus stopped 45 minutes, just 15 minutes
away from the Stuttgart stop!
I
lock my bag at the train station and go straight to the Jazzopen
fest.
It's
taking place on a huge open air area, right in the middle of the
city.
My
good friend Masato handed me his ticket through Isuko. (Thank you my
friend and so sorry you couldn't make it to Europe. See you in the
States.)
It
is a seat and truly I don’t want to stand in the heat. The rail
doesn't attract me anymore.
So...I
wait out chatting with a Bobcat I unfriended some times ago(things
change all the time!), killing time during the opening act I don't
want to hear in order not to spoil the Bob Dylan atmosphere.
By
7.30 pm I take may seat. I find myself next to a fan from Netherlands
who knows everything about Dylan. A collector. Cool! At least he
knows what's going on on stage.
As
he wants to tape I will be quiet; no clapping, no karaoke. I focus on
Bob's mouth.
To
my second big surprise on that tour... 2 big screens are on.
Whoa!
We can see Bob full face, dripping sweat and spitting in the mic.
The
first song is also a surprise "Ballad of a thin man".
Two
groups are packed in the front ; the pit standing and behind the
least lucky as it will be difficult to see the stage. I am happy with
my position. I see the Band as well as Bob.
The
sound is perfect. Same as last show. Bob is really making an effort
to articulate. He seems to enjoy. At some point he has a laugh with
Tony. Hat off on 'Love sick'.
To
my opinion he should have keep his hat on. The sweat didn't help his
hair to stand straight and now his head looks weird.
He
is literally spitting in the mic.
"Can't
wait" and "Scarlet town" are a must, center stage.
We
see on screen the wonderful fingers of Charlie on guitar. He has a
specific way of streaming.
And
George is powerful.
Tony
and Donnie concentrated on the Master.
A
great show in a great atmosphere. Better than Roskilde. Far smaller
with a real Dylan public.
So...I
enjoy the last of the European show very much.
I
start to be nostalgic already.
Flying
to London...but it is...another story!
From
Stuttgart to London. July 11.
I
have to leave my CS host house at 7.30 am as Peng will be working at
8 am. I decide to go straight to the airport. My flight is due at
3.55pm but it's alright. A lot of time have to be filled up between
the BD shows.
I
get myself a coffee and read on Internet. By 11 am as I look down
below the entrance I spot a tall man , all dressed in black with a
hat, elegantly dressed. I know he is Charlie, from the Band. I don't
want to disturb him , just take some photos as souvenir. It proves
also that the Band is not traveling with Bob. But that I already knew
as I flew with the Band and Jeff Kramer From Brisbane to Auckland in
2018.
As
I look around I see the entire crew checking luggage at the British
Airways counter.
I
know for sure they were all taking the same flight ; the crew
commercial class, the musicians and Al Santos(stage manager) business
class.
I
don't see any Barron, Kramer or Jerry. And of course not Suzy
Pullen(the BD assistant). Probably flying with Bob in his private
jet.
I
feel like watching a reality show on TV. At no time I will address
any of them though they see me and recognize me. I know all of them ;
Al Santos, 'security Bob', Jason, Chris, Bret, the stage techs....
Weird
feeling! As if we don't know each other outside the venues!
I
know some other fans who have more guts and will be part off the
'circus'.... Groupies or stalkers!
Well!
They fly away and I wait for my flight to Paris. For some financial
reason I have a stop over in Paris. I have only 1 hour delay. So I
start to be nervous.
Will
I make it?
I
do.
And
I am safely in London by 6.15pm.
My
good friend John is waiting for me at Heathrow and it is a relief.
We
ride the tube for 1 hour before I crash on his couch.
London
July 12.
Last
and final show for me.
With
John we go to the Halcyon Gallery where they have Bob Dylan's Art
exhibit.
I
still have mixed feeling about Dylan plastic Art. I wonder if his
work would sell if it was not signed and promoted....Bob Dylan Art.
I
do have the feeling he is selling his name.
I
still believe he is cheating and don't do half of what he pretends to
do. Megalomania is a trait of the old/rich and famous Americans.
I
don’t feel anything about this kind of Art from Dylan.
We
walk to Hyde Park to check around. Nothing much is happening so we
'tube' back home to have a lunch of Fish and Chips.
By
3 pm John( who is not going to the show) takes a nap and I 'tube' to
Hyde Park.
By
now folks are walking in. I search for a ticket that I rapidly find;
a lawn ticket. And it is exactly what I want. No rail and front rows
crowd for me. No Bobcats. Being on my own fits me well. I need to
back up from the "Bob Dylan road" : this is my last show of
that Tour. Feel like the last show ever!
I
am actually curious for Neil Young performance. I know Bob will do
his "job". He doesn't care if he plays for 1000 or for 100
000. All the same for him. He lives in his own world! Disconnected
from reality!
Some
Bands are opening but as it is a Fest no one pay attention to the
huge screens displayed on the side of the stage and on middle of the
field. Folks are here to have "fun" ; drink, eat, chat with
friends. Maybe Fans on the front are more focusing.
By
6 and something, Neil appears with his Band.
I
really like that show. Neil is playing his guitars and moving a lot.
At 73 he is fit. The crowd (by now standing) will sing along on
"heart of gold" and "old man".
Neil
thanx the audience and play his distorted guitar for quiet a while. A
bit too long?
Half
hour and this is Bob Dylan show.
White
jacket and black hat.
The
audience gets wild on his entrance but after " The early Roman
kings" folks start to be bored and move around. I change my spot
to see better on the screen by the left of the stage.
Somehow
the sound is also better here.
A
change on the set list would have been a must. But....
One
song is missing "Scarlet town".
He
will end with "it takes a train...".
No
duet with Neil...I didn't expect it.
The
Hyde Park is now "vomiting" his folks...
I
was glad to be here but definitively not the best show on that Tour.
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